Functional composites, such applied in thin film electronics, rely on how different molecular components enhance each other's physical properties. For optimal performance, the molecules require to be in the right place in the material, which can in principle be controlled by the processing. However, how complex mixtures self-organise during the fluid production stages of the films remains poorly understood, hampering the rational design of new materials. Our aim is to change this state of affairs by applying modern statistical-mechanical models of how fluid mixtures respond to fast removal of solvents during processing. For this project, which takes place in the context of a collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany, our theoretical soft matter physics group at Eindhoven University of Technology is recruiting a PhD student. The candidate will be studying the far out-of-equilibrium self-organisation of complex fluid mixtures by applying multi-order-parameter phase field theories for a rational engineering of quasi two-dimensional solid materials.

The successful candidate must have a Master's degree or equivalent in physics, physical chemistry or chemical engineering, an acute interest in statistical mechanics and soft matter physics, and an affinity (and preferably some exposure) to the application of numerical methods. Proficiency in the spoken and written English language is required.  The candidate is expected to spend at least two secondments of several months at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Germany, and to take part in teaching-related activities for a maximum of 350 hours over the period of four years of the appointment.

Interested candidates should contact prof. dr. Paul van der Schoot, group Theory of Polymers and Soft Matter, Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, email p.vanderschoot@phys.tue.nl, or dr. Jasper Michels, Electronic Soft Matter Group, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz, Germany, email michel[at]mpip-mainz.mpg.de. Please mention the reference Defeng. If interested, please send us your CV that should contain the names and contact details of two persons willing to provide references, a personal motivation describing why you want to join our research group (max 1 page), by using the 'Apply now'-button on this page. Applications without a motivation will not be taken into consideration. Information on the group can be found at https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/theory-of-polymers-and-soft-matter/.